Latest news with #FreedomDay
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: How to use land reform programmes to drive job creation and economic inclusion?
Thirty-one years since the dawn of democracy, public discourse has been characterised by heated discussions on the land question, while scant attention has been paid to the support that successful land claimants require to ensure the long-term economic viability of their newly acquired assets. When South Africans from all walks of life commemorated Freedom Day on 27 April, many took time to reflect on the gains achieved since the dawn of democracy. There was broad agreement that the unresolved issue of land dispossession remains a major challenge in our political and social landscape. For many communities still landless due to past injustices and forced removals, any celebration of political freedom remains incomplete. Land Reform: A moral, political, and economic imperative Undoubtedly, the resolution of the land question is not only morally and politically right, but it is also an economic imperative in a country that has gained the reputation of being ranked the most unequal society in the world by the World Bank. A staggering 41,9% of our population swell the ranks of the unemployed in the fourth quarter of 2024 according to StatsSA's expanded definition of unemployment, which includes those discouraged from seeking work. The increasingly uncertain geopolitical developments and the looming threat of US-initiated trade wars and soaring tariffs are cause for concern. Added to this is the possible termination of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants African nations duty-free access to the US market. These challenges strengthen the case for not only an accelerated land reform programme, but also the deliberate enablement of rural economies. It's vital to empower beneficiary communities to make their land productive so they can actively participate in commercial agriculture, eco-tourism, and other economic activities within the land value chain. The potential of land ownership to slam the brakes on the scourge of unemployment and deepening levels of poverty has been acknowledged by the National Development Plan (NDP), which envisaged agriculture as the sector that has the potential to create close to 1 million new jobs by 2030. Importance of post-settlement support The attainment of this ambitious plan hinges on the implementation of tailored, post-settlement support programmes that can attract much-needed investment and on fostering skills transfer and development and ensuring financial sustainability of the land. Whilst there has been criticism levelled at the pace of land reform, the pockets of achievement and progress made thus far prove that a successful land reform programme can be a catalyst for job creation and skills development. As an organisation that has worked at the coalface of the land reform programme for nearly 15 years, Vumelana Advisory Fund has changed the narrative of the land reform programme by helping claimant communities who acquire land under the land reform programme to successfully develop their land through partnerships to create jobs, boost incomes, develop communities and enable the transfer of skills. By helping these communities to raise capital to develop the land, transferring skills to help them to effectively manage the business, we have enabled beneficiary communities to bring the transferred land into effective economic use. Proof points of reform and job creation Since our inception, we have supported 26 land reform projects, leveraging our transaction advisory support programme and capacity building and institutional support programme. The programme provides the beneficiary communities with access to required resources while negating the need to give up ownership of the land or wait for government grants. The transaction advisory support programme facilitates commercially viable, mutually beneficial partnerships between land reform beneficiary communities and private investors that create jobs, generate income and transfer skills. These successful land reform programmes include the 151-hectare Moletele-Matuma farm in Limpopo, the Barokologadi-ERP Melorane Game Reserve partnership in North West, and the Mkambati Nature Reserve Tourism partnership. Through these interventions, we've collectively created over 2,500 jobs, benefited more than 16,000 households, mobilised over R1 billion in investments, and developed approximately 76,000 hectares of land. A successful land reform programme using Vumelana's partnership model could go a long way in significantly reducing the vulnerability and food insecurity of the rural population, who make up one-third of the population, as well as for some urban residents. Enhancing employment and thus incomes is one key thrust of pro-poor land reform. It is critical to develop innovative ways of financing land reform. Similarly, we need to develop effective mechanisms in conjunction with the finance sector which can address restrictions on access to affordable finance. Government must play its part as an enabler to create an enabling environment and actively promote partnerships. In our submission for discussion at a colloquium of NEDLAC partners in preparation for a jobs summit planned for September 2018, we argued that public funding falls short of driving a comprehensive land reform programme. In properly structured partnerships, private partners of land reform beneficiaries can raise finance off their balance sheets or in the capital market. This could expand the job creation potential of land reform projects. In a review of just 25 projects, mainly in tourism and agriculture, that cover about 100,000 hectares and benefit 25,000 households, Vumelana estimates that 5,500 jobs would be created based on about R1.2 billion of private investment. Thus, the creation of a fund to finance transaction advisory and other post-settlement support services that would attract private investment into the land reform programme could have a significant impact on job creation. Looking ahead Thankfully, there is growing recognition that land reform cannot be viewed in isolation from broader economic development. When communities gain access to land, that is only the beginning. The challenge — and opportunity — lies in ensuring that the land becomes a source of economic benefit, creates jobs, exposes communities to access markets and enables skills development. The conversation about land reform should not be limited to who owns the land, but it should also focus on how that land is used, and whether it delivers meaningful benefits for the communities who fought to reclaim it. Far greater attention needs to be paid to what happens after land has been transferred. Through the partnerships we have facilitated between beneficiary communities and private sector investors, we have redefined the narrative of the land reform programme and provided a living testament of a resoundingly successful land reform outcome. We don't have to reinvent the wheel. We already have a winning formula that we can build upon to leverage the land reform programme into a formidable initiative that can generate positive and far-reaching social and economic benefits for everyone. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Freedom fighter laid to rest in Gamalakhe
uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) freedom fighter Commander Mnyamezeli Leonard Malanda was laid to rest at his family's graveyard in Gamalakhe recently. Malanda served in the MK as one of the ANC's, SACP's and COSATU's underground freedom fighters during the years of the apartheid government. Lindani Mzotho who served under Malanda said he died at his home on Freedom Day (April 27). His funeral was attended by ANC heavyweights such as former police minister Bheki Cele, former KZN finance minister Ravi Pillay, Ugu mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality speaker Phumlani Gumbi. Mzotho said speakers described Malanda as a selfless soldier who was also involved in community development initiatives. Malanda was one of the founders of the Gamalakhe Community Development Foundation which was established in 1992. 'Back then this foundation was known as Gamalakhe Youth for Community Development and in 1994 it was renamed to Gamalakhe Youth Development Forum. In 2015 it was registered with the Department of Social Development as a non-profit organisation.' Malanda was also the first regional secretary of uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans' Association in the Lower South Coast Region after 1994. Mzotho said Malanda's name will remain in a heritage hall of unsung heroes as a highly disciplined combatant, a commissar, and a selfless community leader who sacrificed to the end for liberation. 'History will remember his name and his contributions to our struggles. He will be celebrated by true and great revolutionaries whose pursuits are not about individualism nor popularity, but the cause to advance the true liberation of our people. He served us well and with dignity as a commander, some of us were young, but his presence never intimidated us, instead, he gave us confidence and inspiration to participate in some underground activities without questioning our abilities. May his revolutionary spirit live forever,' said Mzotho. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Fever's Facebook page At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa appoints Mantashe as acting president of South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the US and his deputy Paul Mashatile is visiting France. With President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile both out of the country, Minister of Energy Gwede Mantashe has been tasked with running South Africa. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president has, in terms of Section 90(1)(b) of the constitution, designated Mantashe as the acting president of the Republic of South Africa from 18 to 22 May 2025. 'This designation flows from the simultaneous Working Visits by President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile to the United States of America and the Republic of France, respectively.' Acting President Mantashe Mantashe was first thrust into the role during Freedom Day last month. He delivered the keynote address at the national Freedom Day celebration at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo, Mpumalanga. Ramaphosa was expected to deliver the address, but he was booked off with the flu. But he did wish South Africans well as the country celebrated 31 years of democracy. ALSO READ: Freedom Day: 'SA a free and sovereign country, not a province of US,' Mantashe says [VIDEOS] Ramaphosa in US The president's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump will remain focused on critical bilateral issues, despite recent tensions between the two nations. 'We are not going to be distracted by anything. 'We will just focus on what is important for our country,' the president told the media after an ANC event held in Kimberley on Friday.' Mashatile in France Mashatile's visit to France aims to reinforce South Africa's historic and warm bilateral relations with the country by expanding on existing cooperation projects and identifying new areas of cooperation, with a specific focus on trade and investment. The deputy president's visit follows a recent visit by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on May 16, 2025, to co-chair the 9th Session of the Forum for Political Dialogue (FPD), during which the status of bilateral political relations between the two countries was discussed, including matters of mutual interest relating to international developments. ALSO READ: 'The likelihood of humiliation is there'- Musk to grill Ramaphosa in front of Trump
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Friday Challenge, May 9, 2025
Friday Challenge Logo to go with the Daily News' online Friday Challenge Questions: 1 Who succeeded Dingane as leader of the Zulu Nation? 2 Which two teams are playing in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final tomorrow? 3 Who are the Sharks playing in the URC competition at Hollywoodbets Kings Park tonight? 4 What is the last river in KwaZulu-Natal before you get to the Eastern Cape? 5 What is mebos? 6 What are sosaties? 7 What is umngqusho? 8 What is bunny chow? 9 What is the significance of Freedom Day? 10 What is the next public holiday and when is it? 11 Who were the first known inhabitants of South Africa? 12 When did the Union of South Africa come into being? 13 Which musical instrument has 88 keys? 14 Which famous scientist developed the theory of relativity? 15 Which gas makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere? 16 What was the name of the recently deceased pontiff? 17 What is South Africa's national flower? 18 Which famous paralympian killed his girlfriend on Valentine's Day.19 Who is the minister of finance? 20 How much is a decilitre? Answers: 1 Mpande. 2 Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. 3 Opspreys. 4 Mtamvuna River. 5 Dried, salted apricots, often enjoyed as a snack. 6 Skewered and grilled marinated meat (usually lamb or chicken), often with dried fruit and vegetables. 7 A samp and beans dish, a traditional Xhosa staple. 8 A hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. It originated in Durban. 9 Celebrated on April 27th, it commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994. 10 Youth Day, on June 16. 11 The Khoisan peoples, which include the Khoikhoi (herders) and the San (hunter-gatherers). 12 1910. 13 Piano. 14 Albert Einstein. 15 Nitrogen. 16 Pope Francis. 17 The King Protea. 18 Oscar Pistorious. 19 Enoch Godongwana. 20 One tenth of a litre.
Daily Maverick
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
We're in the F**k Around and Find Out phase of democracy
To F**k Around and Find Out (FAFO) is a modern proverb, born from meme culture but rich in truth: test the limits of someone or something and eventually the consequences will arrive. Often spectacularly. It's a phrase that perfectly captures the global democratic moment we find ourselves in. Because let's be honest, we've entered the FAFO phase of democracy. The era where years of democratic backsliding, unchecked corporate capture and digital disinformation are finally colliding with reality. Where playing games with truth, law and public trust now carries a cost. We are living the consequences. Authoritarian nostalgia has gone mainstream, from Trump's teetering comeback in the US to Modi's hypernationalist project in India and South Africa's own flirtations with populist grievance politics. Right-wing influencers repackage fascist ideas in TikTok-friendly language. Entire political platforms are built on vibes, victimhood and vague conspiracy theories. And tech bros? They've stopped pretending. Their libertarian fantasies are now openly hostile to regulation, human rights and democracy itself. All this chaos has a digital architecture. Years of f**king around with algorithms that reward outrage over accuracy, polarisation over nuance and profit over public interest have left us swimming in misinformation, drowning in noise and unsure of what's even real. The civic space has become gamified. Electoral trust eroded. And the truth, poor thing, no longer trends. But FAFO isn't just a threat. It's a reckoning. A reckoning with the limits of our collective denial. A reckoning with the people we allowed to amass unchecked power, whether they wear suits or hoodies. And this reckoning is not abstract. It's the disillusioned voter who believed the conspiracy theories and now faces a crumbling healthcare system. It's the journalist in Johannesburg or Delhi dodging death threats and online mobs for daring to expose corruption. It's the young activist in Hong Kong or Myanmar, imprisoned for a single tweet that challenged the narrative. It's the whistle-blower inside the belly of a tech giant, leaking documents that reveal how profits consistently trumped ethics. The Find Out phase is brutal because it forces us to confront what we tried to ignore: the slow dismantling of democratic guardrails; the transformation of truth into a commodity; the arrogance of those who thought they could endlessly game the system without consequences. In South Africa, we recently commemorated Freedom Day, an occasion that, while historic and hard-won, now feels uneasy against the backdrop of state failure, institutional decay and deliberate digital manipulation. Disinformation campaigns here have not only sought to rewrite our history but to rig our future, distorting the collective memory needed to build a just society. Yet here's the thing about FAFO: it cuts both ways. Power is finding out that the public can only be pacified for so long. That rage, when dismissed, does not disappear, it organises. That civil society, though often underfunded and under siege, persists. That journalists and whistle-blowers, despite being demonised and targeted, continue to shine a light where darkness thrives. And that young people, often written off as politically apathetic, are forging new vocabularies of justice, participation and resistance. Democracy, in this phase, is not tidy. It is jagged. It is chaotic. It is painful. But it is not defeated. What we are witnessing is not democracy's end, but perhaps its refusal to go gently into the good night. The Find Out phase, though tough in many ways, is also a crucible. It is where illusions shatter. It is where false gods are exposed. It is where the hard, necessary work of rebuilding must begin. There is no guarantee that we will emerge stronger. The stakes are enormous and the forces aligned against democracy are powerful and deeply entrenched. But there is also no inevitability to collapse. History has shown that when people organise, when they refuse to be cowed and when they demand better, cracks can be forced open even in the most fortified walls. So, here's to the FAFO phase. May it break what must be broken – greed, lies, authoritarianism – and may it spare what still has value: solidarity, courage, accountability and the stubborn belief that democracy, despite everything, remains worth fighting for. DM
